Entry Level Staff Attorney, Family Defense Practice

Brooklyn Defender Services•Brooklyn, NY

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking candidates for Entry Level Staff Attorney positions within its Family Defense Practice (FDP). BDS is a public defense office dedicated to representing low-income New Yorkers in a variety of legal matters including criminal, family, immigration, and civil cases. For nearly three decades, BDS has been committed to protecting the rights of individuals and advocating for systemic change to address injustice and inequality, with a particular focus on how legal systems disproportionately affect Black and Brown communities living in poverty. The Family Defense Practice (FDP) specifically represents parents and caretakers accused of neglect or abuse in Brooklyn Family Court, aiming to prevent child removal and family separation. FDP employs an interdisciplinary approach, with staff including attorneys, social workers, and advocates, to provide comprehensive representation that combines robust legal defense with intensive social work intervention. This collaborative model ensures clients have access to a wide range of services and resources across BDS's various practice areas.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree anticipated by the start date of the incoming class in September 2027.
Have taken the first available bar exam in NY after graduation.
A strong desire to advocate on behalf of people who are facing family separation.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff members both within the practice and throughout BDS.
Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
Ability to work in a high stress environment, multitask, and be flexible.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a high-needs caseload, including an ability to prioritize tasks where requests and deadlines are often on short notice.

Responsibilities

Attend training program in Fall of 2027.
Develop a caseload over time in which the law graduate/attorney will provide comprehensive representation to parents and caretakers facing the removal of children from intake through the life of a case in Brooklyn Family Court as well as occasional final appeals with the assistance of the Law and Appeals unit.
Work on an interdisciplinary team which includes social workers and paralegals to advance the interests of the client.
Pick up cases in intake, which is the first appearance for the parties. Attorneys generally maintain the cases they are assigned at intake for the life of the case.
Prepare for and litigate hearings and trials in Family Court, including emergency hearings seeking family reunification when appropriate.
Represent their clients in interim appeals.
Prepare and argue written motions seeking increased visitation, family reunification and to achieve other client goals.
Collaborate with BDS staff from our other practice areas, including criminal and civil to forward the goal of holistic services and to provide comprehensive legal assistance to clients.
Meet regularly with assigned supervisor to review cases and discuss case strategy.
Attend regular trainings and meetings to build litigation skills and develop substantive knowledge.
Other responsibilities as assigned.